Congratulations are in order for all 4-H agents, volunteers and teen leaders who encouraged 4-H’ers to apply for Honor Club membership during this difficult year. A total of 320 4-H’ers were initiated into the Honor Club during the 2020 calendar year.

Madison County initiated the most Honor Club members with 70 qualifying for membership. Other counties in the top five included Bradley County with 29; Macon County with 25; and Dyer and Moore counties with 15 each.

The Western Region was the top region for the third year in a row with 140 initiates, followed by the Eastern Region with 91 and the Central Region with 89. Additional data on Honor Club membership may be found on the 4-H Recognition page.

Honor Club numbers were down by 107 initiates in 2020 when compared to 2019. Given the pandemic and the restrictions it has placed on face-to-face programing, our agents and volunteers are to be commend for the innovative programing they have provided in qualifying members for Honor Club. Remember Honor Club is a recognition program. Honor Club recognizes members for participation in educational opportunities; membership does not involve winning any kind of competition. Members receive points on the application form just for participating. Any 4-H’ers meeting the minimum number of points can achieve Honor Club recognition. An active Honor Club is an indication of a quality teen program.

2021 will be a new year with new opportunities. We know you will continue to be create in bringing opportunities to your 4-H members. Why not host a virtual Honor Club workshop and start your 4-H members working on their applications for 2021! We are awaiting your applications and look forward to a better 2021.